The final game of the regular season was a big one for the Arlington girls basketball team: They were facing off against a fellow 3A North opponent in the Marysville-Getchell Chargers on Senior Night.

“It was so emotional,” said senior Sevi Bielser. “These girls are my best friends.”

For nine Eagle seniors, it was their last regular season game in an Arlington Eagles uniform.

“It’s crazy and emotional and exciting,” said senior Serafina Balderas of the night.

After each senior was honored prior to the game, the all-senior starting five took the court. The Eagles started off a bit shaky, allowing the Chargers a lot of open looks at the basket. But once the nerves faded away, the Arlington ladies showed why they’re one of the best teams in the state.

Seniors Jayla Russ and Olivia Larson took charge in the second quarter, with Russ putting up eleven points on the night and Larson scoring eight. Right behind them was fellow senior Sarah Shortt, who was able to rebound and steal the ball impressively late in the second quarter. Shortt would finish the night with a team-high thirteen points.

Heading to the second half, the Eagles led the Chargers 32-14. Emma Janousek (’16) was able to continue her dominance on both sides of the ball, and senior Gracie Casteneda executed a plethora of perfect drives to the basket, resulting in eleven points on the night.

One of the highlights of the night was Bielser and and Balderas’ tag-team effort that resulted in twelve points for the Eagles: Within the first three minutes of the fourth quarter, the two seniors each made two 3-pointers, sending a jolt of energy into an already uproarious crowd. The second half also saw senior Selena Gutierrez enter the game and knock down two 3’s. The Eagles were able to cruise to victory, 78-36 over the Chargers.

“We went out with a bang for our senior night,” said Bielser.

The win gave Arlington their 20th on the season, sending them to a perfect 20-0 record on the regular season. It was also Coach Marsh’s 100th career win. The team will be headed to the playoffs once again this year, and will play their first game this Saturday at 7pm. Location and opponent are still being determined.

“I’m so excited,” said Bielser of her feelings on heading to the playoffs. “We’re all pumped up. I can’t wait to see what happens.”

But no matter who Arlington will face off against, one thing’s for certain: This team is a force to be reckoned with.

“I really just want to prove people wrong and show that we can be the best,” said Balderas.

Castaneda–11. Balderas–8. Shortt–13. Bielser–9. Gutierrez–6. Larson–8. Janousek–10. Brown–2. Anderson–0. Miears–0. Russ–11.